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sexualize

[sek-shoo-uh-lahyz or, esp. British, seks-yoo-]
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verb (used with object), sex·u·al·ized, sex·u·al·iz·ing.
  1. to render sexual; endow with sexual characteristics.
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Also especially British, sex·u·al·ise.

Origin of sexualize

First recorded in 1830–40; sexual + -ize
Related formssex·u·al·i·za·tion, nounde·sex·u·al·ize, verb (used with object), de·sex·u·al·ized, de·sex·u·al·iz·ing.
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018
British Dictionary definitions for desexualize

desexualize

desexualise

verb
  1. (tr) to deprive of sexual characteristics by the surgical removal of the testicles or ovaries; castrate or spayOften shortened to: desex (diːˈsɛks)
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Derived Formsdesexualization or desexualisation, noun

sexualize

sexualise

verb
  1. to make or become sexual or sexually aware
  2. to give or acquire sexual associations
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Derived Formssexualization or sexualisation, noun
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Word Origin and History for desexualize

sexualize

v.

1839, from sexual + -ize. Related: Sexualized; sexualizing.

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Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper